Subhashini Bolisetty

Bolisetty wins second place in National Student Research ForumSubhashini Bolisetty, a graduate student in the Cell Biology program, was awarded the best poster presentation in Cell Biology and second place overall at the National Student Research Forum (NSRF) in Galveston, Texas, for her work titled, “Role of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Cesplatin-mediated Autophagy in Kidney Epithelial Cells.” Organized and run by students in the sciences, The 50th annual NSRF, held from April 23 - 25, is sponsored by the AMA Foundation. Bolisetty is one of the Graduate School’s Student Spotlights for the month April.

GS: Where are you from?SB: I was born and raised in India. I came to Birmingham in 2005 to pursue my PhD.

GS: What degree did you/will you receive and when?SB: I received my B.S degree in Industrial Biotechnology in May 2005. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Cell Biology and I expect to graduate in 2010.

GS: How long have you been at UAB?SB: I joined the CMB program at UAB in August 2005.

GS: What is your research? SB: My research focuses on the beneficial effects of site-specific over-expression of Heme Oxygenase-1 (an anti-oxidant protein) in Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). More specifically, I am working on two models of AKI, Ischemia Reperfusion and Cisplatin nephrotoxicity. I am also interested in the role of HO-1 in modulating autophagy in AKI.

GS: What made you choose UAB for your graduate studies?SB: UAB has top class scientists working in cutting edge areas of biological sciences and provides an excellent environment for students, aspiring to pursue a research career. Also, US News listed the cell biology program at UAB as one of the top 60 biological sciences graduate programs in the USA.

GS: Have you received any awards or honors?SB: I have received a pre-doctoral grant (award) from the American Heart Association. It is one of the few programs that allow international students to compete for funding.

GS: What has been your most rewarding experience at UAB?SB: There have been several. One of the most rewarding experiences is to receive a pre-doctoral award that funds my research. It is extremely rewarding when a scientific committee believes in my proposal and potential and bestows upon me such a prestigious award.

GS: Who was your greatest influence here at UAB and why?SB: There have been several people who influenced me in my research, personal and professional development. My mentor, Dr. Anupam Agarwal and Dr. James George have been great teachers and have played a major role in my overall development. Past and present members of the Agarwal lab have really helped me develop professionally. Another person who influenced me is Dr. Jim Collawn. He is a member of my scientific committee and has always given me immense moral support, believed in my potential and advised me on many circumstances.

GS: What is your motivation in your academics/research?SB: Acute kidney injury is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. It is often seen in the setting of multiple organ failure in critically ill patients and mortality has remained relatively constant over the past three decades. I am motivated to decrease the mortality rate and provide better therapy to patients suffering from AKI.

GS: Do you have any advice/wisdom for other graduate students?SB: I would like to quote Erwin Schrödinger, “Thus, the task is, not so much to see what no one has yet seen; but to think what nobody has yet thought, about that which everybody sees.”

GS: What are your plans after graduating and for the future?SB: Many years have passed since my first rendezvous with research and my interest has grown incrementally over the years. I would like to pursue a research career, whether in academia or industry.

GS: Is there anything else you would like to say?SB: My husband, Sudheer Kancharla and my father, Dr.Brahma Rao have been my motivation, support, courage and guidance. I am proud to have a family that encourages me to achieve my dreams. I will continue to strive to be an asset to the university and the scientific community.

Student Spotlight

Jay BhattJay's research focuses on the various molecular machineries involved in forming transport vesicles at the Golgi.

Haley D. JohnsonHaley's research is focused on the transportation needs and safety issues of individuals with developmental disabilities.

Ethics for Authors

The UAB Ethics for Authors website explores ethical issues for students, researchers and faculty writing for publication. The site includes FAQs on citing and writing for research, e-tools and activities, and several handouts.